GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police’s month-long Stay Safe summer sport campaign is focusing on domestic abuse this week.

With England’s first match in this year’s World Cup on Saturday, research shows that levels of reported incidents of domestic violence increase by over a quarter when the country takes part in a major international football tournament.

And those numbers are affected by whether England win or lose.

Faye Kamara, Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence Strategic Co-ordinator, said: “On average the victim of domestic abuse has been abused 35 times before they contact the police, which is a shocking statistic.

“Our intention this week is to highlight and educate the public on this issue which is especially pertinent as we get closer to a major international tournament where England are participating.

"My colleagues and I will be on hand to offer support, advice and information for anyone who maybe a victim themselves or may know someone who they think could be at risk of domestic abuse.”

Domestic abuse is one of four topics that Gloucestershire Police aim to highlight throughout the campaign which runs from Monday, June 9 to Monday, July 14.

The other three are drink driving, assault and anti-social behaviour.

More information about Gloucestershire Police’s Stay Safe campaign is on the force's Facebook page or people can follow the hashtag #GlosTIAO on Twitter.